FOLLOW PHOTOS

Green Card is the colloquial term for the plastic photo identification card a person receives on becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States of America. A person is eligible for a green card through refugee, family, work or a variety of special programs.

Having a Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card (PDF, 6.77 MB) allows you to live and work permanently in the United States.

Green cards are valid for a span of 10 years in case of permanent residents and 2 years who are considered conditional permanent residents. After this period, the card has to be renewed. The application process may take several years.